Most vintage enthusiasts are more than familiar with the Lord Marvel lineage and Seiko’s foray into hi-beat movements. The Marvel is the foundation on which many of Seiko’s technological achievements were built, and marked a turning point in the company’s history, after which, its legitimacy could never again be questioned. The first Lord Marvel Hi-Beats were introduced in 1967, and this movement was an evolution of the Suwa Division’s already successful 5740A and B featured in prior Lord Marvel releases. These are the facts as we know them, but if I’ve learned anything from my time and devotion to all things vintage Seiko, it’s that there are still many surprises and untold histories to be uncovered. Case in point, this 5740-8009 from June of 1967. The model number quickly identifies it as a Lord Marvel 36000 Hi-Beat, and as the serial number denotes, it’s as early as they come. Beyond that, this piece leaves more questions than answers. The dial is instantly recognizable. The glossy satin finish, black Arabic applied markers, and polished Seiko badging are all where they should be, but the lack of Lord Marvel branding certainly came as a shock. In it’s place, a bold print “36M.” M for mystery? To be sure. This dial is absolutely original. The ink is printed below the finish, and it has not been refinished in any way. Opening the case back revealed a beautifully preserved 5740C, though it appears to have been produced by Suwa’s internal rival, Daini Seikosha! There are examples of one division helping the other in cases where both were needed to in order to reach a production demand for certain calibers, but I would expect that finding Daini 5740’s would be a more frequent occurrence if that were the case. Research proved that there have been other “36M” examples observed, but information surrounding them is scarce and little more than theory. We can really only speculate based on patterns that we’ve seen from Seiko before. The model number ends in 9, which typically denotes an export model bound for North America. Other models have arrived here under different nomenclature than their domestic counterparts. Perhaps this was to be the US hi-beat model, but Seiko decided against that shortly after production began. Most agree that the “M” is the Roman numeral for 1000, but it could also have been Marvel abbreviated. It’s not uncommon to see Lord Marvel variants with an LM badge. Whatever the case, it was certainly a luxury model. As the train wheel bridge indicates, each of these movements were adjusted in three positions for the best possible timekeeping. We’re excited to be able to offer this mysterious piece of Seiko history, and more so because its such a stunning example. The dial bears only a single blemish at the two o’clock marker, the broad dauphine hands have retained their bright polished finish, and post service, it’s keeping chronometer tolerance time. The case is crisp and unpolished, and the case back markings are clearly defined. We’ve paired it with an olive suede leather that works perfectly against the dial, and provides a comfortable fit for any wrist. A remarkable piece of Seiko history that’s sure to be treasured in any collection.

Kvarnsjo Leather Olive Suede Leather with White Stitch

Serviced 1/27/20

Diameter- 35mm

Lugs- 19mm